It’s a good thing, because it’s Friday. I’ll have an hour to come home and change clothes between jobs tonight, and it’s always crazy busy at the bar on Friday nights.
After I shower, I dry my hair and smooth it into big waves with my flat iron. I still wrap it into a bun for my shift at the Dupont, but it’ll look much better when I take it down to bartend tonight.
Paige is already gone for the day when I walk into the kitchen, but there’s a waiting pot of coffee and a shoe box on the table. I open it and see a new pair of black tennis shoes with a note on top.
USE ME :)
I smile and take the shoes out of the box. God, I love her. Money’s tight for her, too, but she knew how much I needed new shoes for work.
It’s funny how small things can make a big difference in my outlook. I’ve gone from feeling exhausted and overwhelmed to happy and hopeful, just from a great night of sleep and a thoughtful gift from my sister.
After I pour myself a travel mug of coffee, I bundle up in my old but warm quilted coat and set out for the walk to the L. Chicago is bustling this morning, everyone lost in their own world as they make the trek to work.
Paige and I grew up in a small town in downstate Illinois. We moved to Chicago two years ago when she finished her undergrad and started veterinary school here. I was a twenty-four-year-old college dropout then, with no idea what I wanted to do with my life.
I’m still not sure, but I feel a sense of excitement about whatever it is. Our parents raised us to work for what we have, and I’m proud that I’m making it in a big city and putting myself through school.
A well-dressed middle-aged woman standing next to me on the train sweeps a disdainful glance down my worn-out red coat and gray hotel maid’s uniform. Bitch.
But I won’t let her dampen my mood. I get off at my L stop and walk into the Dupont determined to stay upbeat today. I’m stocking my cleaning cart when Tony walks over to me, his lips pursed.
“Miss Carr.”
“Yes?”
“Just what kind of services are you providing to Mr. Birch?”
Shit. Jake must’ve complained about my rudeness. Though I’d characterize it more as honesty than rudeness.
I’ll play dumb. The Dupont is short-staffed on housekeepers and hopefully Tony will write me up again instead of firing me.
I smile at him. “Housekeeping services. I did forward some requests on to the concierge, though. That seemed like the right thing to do, rather than send him there himself.”
His stare is unnerving. “Miss Carr,” he says crisply, “you are certainly not my best housekeeper. In fact, you may be my worst.”
“Oh, come on.” I give him a doubtful look. “Tatiana leaves dirty sheets on beds. I’m not worse than her.”
“She was disciplined for that.”
“Listen, I know I’ve been late a few times, but I work hard. I always do a good job on my rooms. I feel like it’s me you don’t like, not my work.”
“They’re one and the same.”
I bite the inside of my cheek to keep from arguing with him. He stares for a few more seconds before speaking again.
“Your vacuum lines are sloppy and you often forget to spray room freshener in your rooms.”
I don’t forget. That shit stinks. It smells like tropical-scented vomit. But I hold back the truth and just give Tony my most contrite smile.
“Nonetheless,” he says, pausing to sigh heavily, “Mr. Birch seems to approve of your work, because he has requested that you clean his room for the duration of his stay.”
“Duration?” My stomach sinks. “How long is that?”
“I believe he’s scheduled here for at least six weeks during renovations of his apartment.”
“Six weeks?” I roll my eyes. “You don’t want me doing the penthouses for six weeks.”
Tony nods in agreement. “Trust me, I asked him to repeat himself when he said he wants you. I’m sure it’s not actually about your cleaning skills.”
I hold his stare, a flare of anger rising through my chest and then spilling out my mouth. “Excuse me? What exactly are you saying?”
“You are aware that fraternizing with guests is grounds for termination.”
I glare at him. “I didn’t fraternize with anyone. I cleaned his room and forwarded his requests on to the concierge.”
“I just want to make myself clear,” Tony says in a cool tone.
Other housekeepers gathered for the staff meeting are listening in on the conversation. I know I should just stop talking, but I’m not letting him off that easy.
“I didn’t do anything to deserve that accusation. I work hard. You’re easier on the people who look up to you and we both know I’m not one of them.”
His face reddens. “Just do your job and you’ll be fine, Miss Carr.”
“I already do.”
“You’re assigned to the suites for the next six weeks.”
“I understand.”
He straightens the perfectly straight knot on his tie. “Those guests can be high maintenance.”
No kidding. I already got a taste with Jake.
“I know how to handle high-maintenance people,” I say, giving him a fake smile.
He narrows his eyes ever so slightly and steps away to start the shift meeting. I tune him out and make sure I’m the first one out of the room when the meeting is over.
Today I start with the other two suites. One wasn’t used last night so I just dust it. The guests checked out of the other one, which is trashed. Looks like a bachelor party was hosted here. There are dozens of empty beer bottles lining the counters and tables and empty pizza boxes everywhere—even in the bathroom.